Glad that Big Al and some others appreciate Bob's contribution to the music over about SIXTY years, and as 'guest' pointed out, he's still doing it so less of the past tense please.
Bob and the Rakes were regular folk club guests in the sixties but his preference was always for the informal settings provided by older well-established community pubs where music was still part of the social scene,
Irish music in London (played by Irish people), East Anglian music of a similar ilk or an old-style London singsong was and is what he likes best - ie music in its social setting rather than presented (often concert- style) in a folk club. This is not unreasonable and I am in sympathy with that.
A lack of consideration for folk club singers has been commented on & I can't vouch for the tale about the MT club, but the condescension and arrogance of often unimpressive singers may be the root of this (I don't include Roisin in this!!)
   In the real world people like to talk (and even shout) at such gatherings, maybe about football or horse racing- anyone who has been to an Irish pub session will know that, and while that may be unacceptable in a folk club where people normally pay good money it may explain why some folkies are unable to comprehend why it should be.
If you look at the important figures of the 'revival' Lloyd, MacColl, Behan etc, they're all gone & it's time his contribution (AND JUST AS MUCH REG HALL of the Rakes) was properly recognized- His contribution to the music was recognized at a festival in Roscommon a few years back and it's time we had a bit less carping criticism and a bit more appreciation for what the man has done, without any great wish for commercial reward.